Grand Gathering Dining

[MouseEarsJenny]

How difficult is it going to be to get ADR's for my grand gathering group? Should I call the grand gathering planners or call dining directly? We're a group of 11 and we'd like to actually eat together where possible. I know a big group like that will be difficult to seat, but this is a once in a lifetime deal, and we'd fill just as many chairs if we all sat at the restaurant separately. We're planning on eating at Chef Mickey's, Mama Melrose (for the Fantasmic package), Royal Akershus Banquet Hall, Crystal Palace, Le Cellier (yeah, I know, good luck), and two other undetermined places. I know I need to book the instant my 90 day window starts, but I'm not sure which entity to call for a better chance.

Also, how will they charge our dining plan? Will credits be divided by room? (I'm paying for all the reservations, but they are different reservation numbers.) Will we get one bill or several? (I'll be handling everyone's tip, too, which is why I'm wondering.) Will extras like drinks also go on separate bills? Is there any way I can keep track that the right number of credits are being charged without grabbing everyone's receipts like a dork?

Also, how hard is it to eat at Pepper Market without messing up and using too many credits? I don't want to have to play General Food with my family, but I don't want them to use all of our counter service credits by accident either!

TIA

PS I'm open to suggestion on the two undetermined TS locations!

 

[mom2travel]

I can't help you with DDP as we've never used it, but we did do a GG a couple years ago - we had 14 people total, including 4 children. I believe I booked all of our ADRs through the GG number, but you could always call to be sure.
Here are the restaurants where we made ADRs and how we were seated; some are on your list and some not, but it will give you an idea of what you are looking for:
'Ohana dinner - all at one long table
CRT breakfast - 3 tables in a row so all together
San Angel Inn dinner - one long table
Mama Melrose (Fantasmic pkg) - 2 tables, 6 and 8
Rain Forest Cafe @AK - 2 tables, I think 4 and 10 or 5 & 9
Fulton's Crab House - one long table
Restaurant Marrakesh - one long table
'Ohana for breakfast - one table

Have fun!

 

[bellazachmom]

When I called to get some info for a GG that we will be doing next year I was told that with my GG number we couldmake our dining ressies at 180 days ... you might want to call and check. I know that things can change daily, or even hourly, but it is worth a try.

Hope you have a great trip!

 

[MouseEarsJenny]

Thanks for the info on seating arrangements, mom2travel! That definitely helps, because at least I know that some restaurants CAN accomodate groups of that size - I wasn't even sure whether they'd just split us up everywhere. I'm really hoping we can do Crystal Palace as a group, cause I'm planning it for my birthday!

bellazachmom, I heard that too when I first called to book. My planner said I could book dining 180 days out. When I questioned her, she clarified that I can book things like the Safari Celebration Dinner and the Magical Fireworks Voyage now, but for ADR's that aren't specifically "grand gathering experiences" it's 90 days. It's a little silly, though, becuase right now the MFV is a grand gathering experience, but by the time I go, it's supposed to be open to everyone - only, it won't be, since people doing grand gatherings who can book 180 days in advance have already taken all the slots!
Thanks, though - maybe I will double check with GG, just in case!

 

[Tine731]

Call the GG line to make your dining reservations.

We have been a grand gathering several times in the past and will be one again in June. Our group is always between 10-21 people. We have been able to get dining reservations at the following...

Ohana
Coral Reef
Donald's Safari Breakfast
Mama Melrose
Boma
Liberty Tree
Biergarten
Spirit of Aloha Luau
Brown Derby
Cape May Cafe
Grand Floridian Cafe
Olivia's Cafe
Turf Club
Wolfgang Puck
Whispering Canyon Cafe

 

[OneTreeHillAddict]

How difficult is it going to be to get ADR's for my grand gathering group? The sooner you call the better your chance! Should I call the grand gathering planners or call dining directly? YesWe're a group of 11 and we'd like to actually eat together where possible. I know a big group like that will be difficult to seat, but this is a once in a lifetime deal, and we'd fill just as many chairs if we all sat at the restaurant separately. We're planning on eating at Chef Mickey's, Mama Melrose (for the Fantasmic package), Royal Akershus Banquet Hall, Crystal Palace, Le Cellier (yeah, I know, good luck), and two other undetermined places. I know I need to book the instant my 90 day window starts, but I'm not sure which entity to call for a better chance. GG are 180 days still.

Also, how will they charge our dining plan? Will credits be divided by room? Yes, unless you ask to do it differently.(I'm paying for all the reservations, but they are different reservation numbers.) Will we get one bill or several? We had ours on different bills...per room. (I'll be handling everyone's tip, too, which is why I'm wondering.) 6 or more tip is included...even if ya'll go to a place and split into 4 four tops...if you make it for everyone and they split you it's still added. SO I was told. We never had to split though. But we were only 8, sometimes 10. Will extras like drinks also go on separate bills? Specialty items will have an 18% charge added and they usually do this by room but if you're paying for everything they may put it on one check and let you pay for it. I don't see why they wouldn't. Is there any way I can keep track that the right number of credits are being charged without grabbing everyone's receipts like a dork? Your front desk can give you a copy of how and where you used your credits but I'd look like a dork and check it right then. It'd be easier to get things fixed...it's fine. You wont look silly. I always double checked everything before we left. It only takes a minute!

Also, how hard is it to eat at Pepper Market without messing up and using too many credits? It's like any other meal...you pick your entree, dessert, and drink. It all goes on a slip. They ring it up on your way out. Just make sure they do it right then. We just ate there in December. The chicken and pasta was superb and a lot of food! Two can share! I don't want to have to play General Food with my family, but I don't want them to use all of our counter service credits by accident either! Totally understand! It's not so bad.

TIA

PS I'm open to suggestion on the two undetermined TS locations!

Have fun!